I-League 2020-21: AIFF invites bids for new clubs

New Delhi : The number of clubs set to participate in the 2020-21 season of the I-League is set to see an increase after the All India Football Federation (AIFF) invited bids from prospective team owners.
11 clubs, including AIFF’s developmental outfit Indian Arrows, took part in the previous season of the I-League. However, champions Mohun Bagan are set to merge with ATK and will play in the Indian Super League (ISL) next season.
The AIFF have moved to bridge the gap by inviting fresh tenders for new clubs in the league which is currently the second tier in Indian football.
The Indian FA are looking to expand the league’s footprint and are seeking bids from teams based in New Delhi, Ranchi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and a few other similar smaller cities.
The invitation to bid is open from 10th June 2020 till 20th June 2020.
Goal had earlier reported that Delhi-based Sudeva FC are one of the front-runners to submit a bid. “Yes, we are interested in playing the I-League. If the AIFF invites bids, we are looking to submit our case,” Sudeva FC owner Anuj Gupta had told Goal back then.
It has to be noted that the I-League winners, for the next two seasons, are guaranteed a spot in the AFC Cup. The winning bidders will have a chance to compete in the continental competition, provided they win the league.
I-League’s last corporate entry was Gokulam Kerala back in the 2017-18 season.
It must also be remembered that the final round of the I-League second division is yet to be completed and the winners of the same will also get to play in the I-League next season.